Consultant in Adult Forensic Psychiatry (HMP Woodhill) with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Important Visa Information
This position offers a certificate of sponsorship for qualified international candidates. However, please verify your visa eligibility directly with the employer before applying, as visa requirements and processes may vary based on your nationality and circumstances.
Job Overview
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist to join HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes. Due to service expansion within HMP Woodhill, we have mobilized a new contract. The Mental Health Team at HMP Woodhill provides an integrated service with both primary mental health team (PMH) and secondary mental health in-reach team (MHIRT).
About the Company
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of services including mental health, substance misuse, sexual health, and primary care to multiple prisons. We also offer community forensic services in North West London, liaison and diversion services to police stations and Magistrates’ Courts, as well as low secure specialist forensic services at Park Royal.
Location Details
The position is based at HMP Woodhill, a Category B prison with Category A function located in Milton Keynes. The prison was built in 1992 and includes a Close Supervision Centre, a Separation Centre, and a Protected Witness Unit. HMP Woodhill houses approximately 500 adult male prisoners and a small number of Category A young offenders.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary ranging from £109,725 to £145,478 per year, plus a London weighting allowance of £2,162. The NHS also provides an excellent pension scheme, generous annual leave, and access to continuous professional development opportunities.
Contract Type and Working Pattern
This is a permanent, full-time position. The post-holder will be expected to work standard NHS hours, which typically includes up to three outpatient clinics per week (seeing three to four patients per clinic) and one ward round per week.
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must be fully registered with the GMC with a licence to practise at the time of appointment. They must be included on the GMC Specialist Register or be eligible within six months. Additional requirements include Approved clinician status, Section 12 MHA approval, a Primary Medical Degree, and CCT in Forensic Psychiatry.
Desirable Qualifications
While not essential, qualifications such as a management and leadership course/qualification, a higher degree (MSc, LLM, MD or PhD), or MRCPsych would be advantageous for this position.
Essential Experience
Candidates must have previous clinical leadership/management experience and demonstrate a track record of improving quality in a service. The ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and manage complex cases is essential.
Desirable Experience
Experience in job planning, resolving conflict, and complex performance management issues would be beneficial. Experience of quality improvement initiatives and management within forensic settings is also desirable.
Main Duties
The post-holder will be responsible for psychiatric assessments, evidence-based interventions, medication reviews, and providing advice on particular cases. They will conduct up to three outpatient clinics weekly, one ward round weekly, and work with patients in healthcare settings, ordinary locations, the CSC, and separation & care unit.
Clinical Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include assessment (including risk assessment), treatment, care planning, and multiagency liaison for people with mental health problems in the prisons. The post-holder will be expected to undertake Mental Capacity Assessments, contribute to planned emergency interventions, and participate in ACCT (self-harm/suicide prevention) processes.
Person Specification: Previous Experience
Candidates must have demonstrable clinical leadership/management experience and a proven track record of improving quality in a service. Experience of job planning and resolving conflict/complex performance management issues are desirable.
Person Specification: Qualifications
Essential qualifications include GMC registration, inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register (or within six months), Approved clinician status, Section 12 MHA approval, Primary Medical Degree, and CCT in Forensic Psychiatry. Desirable qualifications include management/leadership courses and higher degrees.
Person Specification: Clinical Skills
Applicants must demonstrate excellent clinical skills using a bio-psycho-social perspective, excellent knowledge in specialty, and excellent oral/written communication skills in English. They must be able to manage clinical complexity, handle conflict, make evidence-based decisions, and meet duties under MHA and MCA.
Person Specification: Academic Skills
Candidates must participate in continuous professional development, use and appraise clinical evidence, work constructively within MDT environments, and participate in clinical audit. Knowledge of equality and diversity issues, flexibility, and the ability to cope under pressure are essential.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, visit the NHS Jobs website and search for reference number 333-D-HJ-C-0002. International applicants should ensure they have all required documentation ready, including GMC registration proof, evidence of specialist training, and proof of English language proficiency. It is recommended to verify visa requirements with the employer before submitting your application.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Dr Mellisha Padayatchi, Clinical Director Health and Justice Services, at mpadayatchi@nhs.net. Please include the reference number in your correspondence for a prompt response.
Employer Details
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. The Trust is an accredited Living Wage employer, Disability Confident Committed, and holds Age Positive, Armed Forces Covenant, and Stonewall LGBTQ Employer Gold Award accreditations.
Additional Information
This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Privacy Notice
Your personal data will be processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information about how your data will be used, please refer to Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust’s privacy notice available at https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/privacy.